I’ve been thinking a lot about how to work this bible study and I will let you know what’s on my heart! Some have expressed the need for more privacy. When you comment about things on my Facebook page, it can show up in your other friend’s newsfeed. I hadn’t thought of that before! I know I’ve been more of an open book but, many don’t operate that way. I totally get that when it comes to weight loss.

My solution will be that you can discuss it here on my blog each week when I do a recap of what I’ve learned. Yes, it’s public but, your FB friends would have to come here to read my post and most likely they won’t if they aren’t reading the book or doing the study with us! Also, I approve every comment that goes on my blog! If you wanted to comment to just me about what you are learning, that can be the way to do it. Just mention that you don’t want it posted publicly and I will not post it! I read all my messages and comments so I’ll be sure to see it.

You can join the study on my Facebook Page- Home With a Purpose- Jen Griffin! Like my page, then click on EVENT on the top right! Spread the word to your THM buddies and let them know as well!! There is still plenty of time to buy the book and Participants guide.

So, I hope you’ll join me! We have about 100 girls reading along right now! I’m excited to dig into the book and God’s word with you! I’m praying that God will do a great work in my heart and in yours as we learn.

This morning was what I’d call a doozy! I got up and read my Bible as I try to do daily, though I have no perfect attendance record. Romans was convicting and heart piercing as usual. I jotted some notes down in my journal binder about the heart struggles I’ve been facing for awhile now. He knows. He’s known way before I’ve written down my hurts what those are or would be. Broken relationships, scars that are healing, words that were hurtful, my sin, my crosses to bear. Working through these things with the Lord is hard work. It causes me to cry some days as I call out to Him to help, comfort and heal me. Those are precious times with Him.

Have you ever been injured or had surgery that included open wounds? I have. There aren’t great memories attached to that time in my life either. I have found comfort in Scripture and in the imagery it brings to me as I consider these life altering moments. Today this came to mind…

Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

As I was cleaning the kitchen and in thought about what the Lord was showing me today, I dropped my favorite cup. I treasure this cup and my family knows it. It’s the one cup I don’t let my boys drink from so they wouldn’t accidentally drop or break it. It’s special to me because my sister gave it to me. She may not even remember but, years and years ago when she was in high school or middle school she gave me this mug that had scripture on it. It’s been special to me because it reminds me of her. Today I broke off the handle. I picked up the pieces and set them on the counter and tears started to flow. My 7 year old was upset for me. He know how important it was to me. I dismissed myself from the kitchen and cried in my room. A few minutes later I heard my door open and through my tears, I see Titus coming in holding something in his hands. He was holding a plate that was Shan’s grandmother’s. She passed away many years ago and we were given a plate at that time. I had a similar moment years ago with that plate and oldest son had collected the pieces and taken it to my mom’s house. They secretly glued my plate back together and he surprised me with it. So, today…years later Titus remember the plate that was tucked away and brought it to me. “Mom, remember this plate? We fixed it for you. I bet we can fix your cup too.”

I hugged that boy’s neck and thanked him for his kind, tender heart. He ministered to me in that moment when I needed him too. The bigger picture is that God used him to teach me a lesson as well. Scripture came alive today. The verses I was already reading and learning, were being illustrated to me in every day life happenings. Just like that plate was put back together (and maybe the cup), God is doing the same for my life and heart. He is the Great Physician and Comforter! He is binding the pieces of my life together.

I’m not a perfect Christian, mom or wife. I’m very far from that. I am reminded of my cracked, glued plate when I think of my own life. From a distance it can look just fine but, when you get closer you can see the cracks and imperfections. I love the body of believers at our church for that reason. They see me up close, imperfections and all and they love me.

If you truly know the Lord and you are reading this today, I’m sure you can relate very well. He is pruning me and sanctifying my heart. He is binding wounds and comforting hurts. There is a promise that I am clinging to as I continue to walk this journey with the Lord.

Romans 6:14

“For sin will not have dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (emphasis added)

I am the Lord’s and He is mine. Sin will NOT have dominion over me or my life. God made that promise to me in His holy word! So, I’m smiling through my tears today. Though my heart is tender, God is working in me. Though I’m unfaithful to God daily, He loves and forgives me. He is so good. His Word, my broken treasures and a tenderhearted boy were all teaching me life lessons today.

I love sharing easy, on-plan recipes with you that go with the Trim Healthy Mama plan! Sarah is one of the Admins for the Beginner Board with me! She and I had become friends due to THM long before that! She has now lost…..drumroll….110 pounds on THM! Seriously!! She has done amazing! If you want to read her story, you can read it on the Trim Healthy Mama website: Sarah’s testimony. She’s the bottom story.

Sarah gave me this super easy and affordable recipe the other night! She says it’s a favorite at her house! I made it one day and loved it as well. I thought I’d toss the idea over to you all!

Here it is in the pan, just getting started in the skillet! Such pretty colors!

Sarah’s Sausage & Peppers Pasta! (S)

1 package of all beef kielbasa

1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

1/2 sliced onion (I added that)

1 can of beef broth (14.5 ounces or so)

1 box of Penne Dreamfield’s Pasta

salt

pepper

1 tsp. parsley (fresh is her preference but, you can use either)

You could of course use all green peppers if you wanted too but, this is pretty on your plate! Sarah says, “I slice the kielbasa and peppers and sautee over medium heat. Til the meat browns up and peppers soften. I add the can of beef broth and let it simmer. Add salt, pepper and parsley. Boil the penne, drain and set aside. (Make sure you follow the directions on the box!) I pour the broth, sausage and peppers over the pasta & mix well. Top with parsley. Its delicious! We double it. Simple & cheap too!” Sarah told me she also puts a little more parsley on top for a pretty garnish! This should serve about 4. That’s my guess! I added onions to the recipe so, I hope Sarah forgives me! I knew you all would spot the onions in the picture!

I should’ve snapped a shot of it when it was all pretty on my plate but, I gobbled it up too fast!

On my Facebook blog page we are getting ready to do a bible study called Made to Crave! It starts on Monday, June 2nd! You can find the info on the event and the books you’ll need on this page: Home With a Purpose- Jennifer Griffin.

Angel’s at it again! She’s the one who came up with the Rockin’ Roll Cake so many of you love! She’s always creating something new in the kitchen for us to try that is Trim Healthy Mama friendly! This new recipe is sure to be a HUGE hit in your house. She got some ideas from this post by Julie for pizza! She tweaked it to make her own version of Cheesy Bread.

Angel and her hubby have been a THM or a while now and they are both down about 25 pounds each! You can find some THM recipes and other wonderful posts here: Whatsoever is Pure. This is linked to her newest post about their upcoming adoption. What a beautiful story she paints as they go through this time of waiting.

Without further ado…..

Cheesy Bread! (S)

2 cups of eggs whites (you can use carton egg whites)

pinch of cream of tartar (1/4 tsp or so)

1/4 cup of coconut flour

1/4 cup of flax meal/flour

salt

Italian Seasonings

Onion flakes

1/2 cup of grated cheddar

1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese

Beat egg whites on high until they form stiff peaks. Add the flour and mix on low until it’s all incorporated together. Add a little salt, Italian seasonings, onion flakes and cheeses. No set amounts on the seasonings…just add a few shakes! Mix together well, then spread over a greased parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes!

Cut with a pizza cutter to make the breadsticks! I made 16 breadsticks from my batch. You can cut them however you want too. I’m not great on serving sizes with this. Don’t eat the batch! I’d say it serves 6 pretty well if you each have three breadsticks!

I’ve been on my journey with Trim Healthy Mama for 16 months now! To say I’m loving this way of eating is an understatement! I feel sad for folks on calorie restricted diets. I’ve been there in the past and it’s no fun. I was constantly hungry and focused on each calorie I put in my mouth. I think you can come to a boiling point of just wanting some good food and you blow it! Just speaking from experience. I’ve told you before that I’ve been on many diets in my lifetime! My dieting career started when I was in Junior High. After my last experience with Weight Watchers failed miserably, I stopped. I was tired of counting points, calories and eating rice cakes! My life became much harder. I was sick, miserable, bloated, over 300 pounds, lethargic, high blood pressure, depressed, had infections and just plain uncomfortable in my own skin. I could name many more side effects to the extra weight that I was carrying but, many of you may already know what those are.

I have another nemesis. The SCALE. This past 4 to 5 months my losses have slowed down. My hormones were tested and my thyroid was the root cause. I’m working with my doctor to get things back on track. My nemesis, Mr. Scale has been a source of frustration. I wanted to do so well each day, each week that I would always weigh myself to see where I was each morning. I could tell many THM girls to weigh-in once a week but, I was not following my own advice! I had a bad habit to break! Can anyone relate? I’m sure I’m not alone in my struggles with the scale.

I recently asked a group of girls that follow along with me on Facebook about the scale. Here are just a few of their thoughts….

a liar

It’s only a number, it does not define me!

RUN

the devil! (LOL)

disappointment

wretched thing!

justice

fickle

UGH

One of my sweet friends, Conney put a sticky note over her scale that says, “Monday” so she will remind herself to wait! I think that’s a cute idea. I know I’d be tearing off that sticky note and peaking…I know me!

I put my scale away. I did! I put it up in a cabinet so it’s out of site. Now instead of waking up to see what the scale said, I just start my day. Too often I let the scale dictate my attitude. Too often I let that number on the screen start my day off on the right foot or with a negative tone. How sad is that? That number on the scale does not define me or who I am in Christ!

A huge part of the Trim Healthy Mama plan is freedom! I am now finding freedom in a new area. I am finding freedom in NOT weighing myself and knowing that this plan really does work!! I will get to my goal when I get there and not one day before. It may take me 5 years to reach my goal but, that is okay. I am healthier than I have been in over a decade! I am eating delicious food. I am walking with my kids and working along side my family. I used to merely sit and watch as I couldn’t keep up. I am really LIVING!

Will I weigh myself? Yes. I am going to try to cut back to twice a month. I also think it’s great to measure yourself. Often times when I’ve not seen much action on the scale, I have seen inches melting away.

So, who’s with me? Who wants to say goodbye to the scale and hello to freedom!

After I baked the cake and had it cooling, I had an idea to make a single serving of Carrot Cake! I was taking that cake to church and couldn’t dig in so, I thought this would satisfy my craving! The recipes are different. 🙂 I was out of almond flour/meal from making Andrea’s cake so I used coconut flour and flax meal as I usually do in my mug recipes. You can use almond if you like instead of the coconut. It’s really up to you! I LOVED IT!

Carrot Cake-Single Serving! (S)

1 egg

1 Tbs. of coconut oil(melted)

1 Tbs. of water

1 Tbs. of 0% Greek yogurt

1/2 tsp. of vanilla

1/2 tsp. of baking powder (aluminum free)

1.5 Tbs. of coconut flour

1.5 Tbs. of flax meal

1 Tbs. of Truvia or 1/2 Tbs. of THM’s Sweet Blend

1/8th cup of shredded carrots

dash or two of cinnamon

dash or nutmeg (tiny)

dash of ginger (tiny)

(you could use pumpkin pie spice in place of the three spices)

Mix this all together in a microwave safe mug or bowl. I love using a bowl so I get all the ingredients stirred together well and I like the shape when it’s done too. I microwave it for 1 minute and check on it. If it looks wet on top, I pop it in for another 20 seconds. Microwave times really vary so keep your eye on it! If you love to bake your recipes, I would bake it in an oven safe dish or mason jar at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes!

My quick frosting for these single serving recipes is:

1 Tbs. of cream cheese

1 Tbs. of butter

little splash of vanilla

a little THM Sweet Blend or sweetener of your choice.

I warm the butter and cream cheese in the microwave for like 12 seconds until it’s softened and them stir the ingredients all together. Very simple and SOOOO good!

I love my single serving recipes! I enjoy having many varieties that I can enjoy when the mood strikes! Here are some of my other single serving yummies!! You can always use a waffle iron to make the cakes as well. Just a fun idea! I sometimes add a little more liquid to it if I do so it’s a bit runnier. Enjoy!!

Weight loss has slowed down for the past 6 months. Praise GOD, I truly did not become discouraged. I had moments of wishing it would go faster but, in all honesty I was not downhearted! I trust the plan and know that if I follow what I’ve learned that I will get there! I don’t look at weight loss as a quick journey! I think that is what many think from watching The Biggest Loser or Extreme Weight Loss shows. When I see someone lose 100 pounds in 3 months due to INSANE amounts of exercise I get concerned. I know it can easily be gained back and that their overall health is being jeopardized.

Me, before….at about 304 pounds.

Though it’s taken time to reach this goal, I am thankful. I am savoring each little non-scale victory that I meet. Recently I went to the doctor because I had some hormone testing done and wanted him to read the results. I met a goal sitting on the doctor’s table. He went to take my blood pressure and put the cuff on. I am used to the embarrassment of a doctor asking the nurse for the larger cuff because it won’t fit. Today, it fit perfectly! I smiled. Then my blood pressure was 125/85!! I wanted to jump up and down! One year ago I was on blood pressure medicine and it was still at 165/90 or higher! My bottom numbers were often at 99. My doctor was proud of me which was an added bonus! I will take these type victories any day over pounds. Stalls or slow loses can all be a beautiful part of the journey if YOU let it. It was a signal for me that my body was healing and that my thyroid was low. Now, I am getting help for my hormone health!

So, for fun…I wanted to see how many pounds I’ve lost visually! I know it encourages me to keep on pushing! What weighs 75 pounds? How much have I really lost?

I’ve met some fabulous friends on Trim Healthy Mama and Andrea Stagg is no exception! Her testimony is amazing and her love for the Lord is contagious! Check her story out on the THM website! Andrea is the very bottom story!

Andrea had a desire to make a Carrot cake that she and her family could enjoy! THM friendly and gluten free! This is the final product! It is a dense, yummy cake! I tried it myself on Easter Sunday!

Gluten Free Carrot Cake! (S)

3 c almond meal/flour

1 c flax meal/flour

2 t. baking powder

2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 T cinnamon

1/2 t. ginger

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/4 t. stevia extract powder

4 t. vanilla or almond extract

4 eggs

3 T coconut oil

1/2 c sour cream

8 ounces shredded carrots

1/4 c half-n-half

1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9×13. Combine and stir together all of the dry ingredients, except nuts. Mix together all of the wet ingredients. Stir together gently and pour into greased pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes until just done. Let cool and put this frosting on top:

You know a few days before payday when the refrigerator is about empty and the pantry is dwindling? This meal came from that kind of a night! I needed something for supper that was filling, easy and delicious! It takes just a few ingredients and it is very budget friendly! Win-win!

I’ve been on the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle of eating for 15 months now! I am so much healthier and eating like a Queen! This meal will be a lovely one to add to your week when you need something quick!

Italian Cabbage & Beef (S)

1 head of cabbage, shredded

1 can of shredded beef(15 oz. can) or one pound of shredded beef, cooked

1 can of Italian seasoned diced tomatoes (15 oz.)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp of minced garlic (or more!)

salt and pepper

olive oil (a drizzle)

I told you it was just a few ingredients! I just chopped up my cabbage and put it in the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. I threw in the chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoned tomatoes, salt and pepper. If you use canned beef…just toss is in! If you use uncooked stew meat or some type of roast, just cook it up before hand and then toss it in. My Drive-Thru Sue nature loves the short cut of canned beef. 🙂 I don’t use it often but, I did have it in the pantry! I just let it simmer in the pan on low until it was nice and cooked. You could use regular diced tomatoes but, then you’d need to add some Italian seasonings of your choice.

I was happy with the results! I’m all about simple, good food! Be creative and add to this if you want! This would make at least 8 servings! You could thin it out with beef stock and make a delicious soup!! This is an (S) for Satisfying on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.